In an exclusive interview, PM Modi highlights employment growth, infrastructure projects, and emerging industries to counter opposition’s unemployment claims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asserted that his government has generated six crore jobs over the past six to seven years. In an interview with NDTV Editor-in-Chief Sanjay Pugalia, Modi addressed various issues including unemployment, infrastructure development, and the BJP’s prospects in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Modi emphasized that the opposition’s allegations of rising unemployment are unfounded, supported by data from multiple sources.

Modi argued that the infrastructure projects initiated by his administration require substantial manpower, directly leading to job creation. He stated, “The first thing to know is that so much work cannot be done without manpower. Just spending money does not mean a road is built or work on the electrification of the railways is carried out. You need manpower for that. Which means employment opportunities are created. I can’t see any issue or truth in the opposition’s talk of unemployment.”

He criticized dynastic political parties for being out of touch with the youth and the changes occurring in the employment landscape. “Before 2014, there were only a few hundred startups, and now there are 1.25 lakh such companies. Each startup employs many bright youngsters. There are 100 unicorns as well, which means business worth ₹8 lakh crore. And these are people in the age group of 20-25, they are our sons and daughters,” he explained.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the growth in the gaming industry and creative economy as significant areas of employment for young Indians. He stated, “Strides have also been made in the gaming arena, and India will be a leader in the field. Young people between the ages of 20 and 22 years will show the way. Another emerging area is the shift from an entertainment economy to a creative economy, and I firmly believe India’s creators will capture a significant share of the global market.”

In addition to these sectors, Modi pointed to the expansion of the aviation industry as a major employment generator. He noted, “Green jobs are also being created. Look at the aviation sector. There were 70 airports, now there are 150. My estimate is that the total number of aircraft in the country is 600-700, and an order has been placed for 1,000 new planes. Can anyone even imagine how many kinds of people will get employment? Therefore, this narrative is being peddled by people in politics who only know how things were 30 years ago and are talking about the same things.”

Modi supported his claims with data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) and the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), stating that unemployment has been halved. “The PLFS data also states that 6 crore new jobs have been generated in six to seven years. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation has also said the same thing. I ran a big campaign for government jobs as well, and these people (the opposition) keep shouting about employment,” he said.

He also referenced a report by the SKOCH group, which claimed that five crore person-years of employment have been generated every year for the past decade. “It said 5 crore person-years of employment have been generated every year for the past 10 years. And they have used 22 parameters to say this. It’s backed up by research. All of this can be seen on the ground as well, it isn’t restricted to data alone,” Modi added.

The Prime Minister aims for a historic third consecutive term and has set a target of winning 370 Lok Sabha seats for the BJP and over 400 for the NDA. The fifth phase of the ongoing election is set to take place on Monday, with four phases already completed.

Analysis

Prime Minister Modi’s assertions on employment creation come at a crucial time as India navigates the complexities of economic recovery post-pandemic. His focus on infrastructural development, the growth of startups, and emerging industries highlight the multifaceted approach his government has taken to address unemployment.

From a political perspective, Modi’s statements aim to counter the opposition’s narrative and bolster his party’s image ahead of the elections. By presenting data from credible sources like the PLFS and EPFO, Modi attempts to provide a strong empirical basis for his claims. This strategy serves to undermine the opposition’s arguments and position the BJP as a forward-thinking party committed to economic growth and job creation.

Sociologically, Modi’s emphasis on youth employment and the burgeoning startup ecosystem reflects a recognition of the demographic dividend that India enjoys. By highlighting the role of young entrepreneurs and the creative economy, Modi aligns his government’s policies with the aspirations of the younger generation. This could be a strategic move to garner support from first-time voters and the youth demographic.

Economically, the expansion of the aviation industry and the creation of green jobs are significant. These sectors not only offer direct employment but also have a multiplier effect, generating jobs in ancillary industries. For instance, the growth in aviation necessitates advancements in logistics, maintenance, and hospitality, thereby creating a ripple effect in the job market.

On the local front, Modi’s infrastructure projects have tangible impacts on regional economies. The construction of new roads, airports, and railway lines directly benefits local populations by improving connectivity and fostering economic activities. This decentralization of economic growth could help mitigate regional disparities and promote balanced development.

In terms of gender and minority perspectives, the focus on diverse sectors like technology, aviation, and creative industries opens up opportunities for a broader segment of the population. However, the extent to which these opportunities are accessible to women and marginalized groups remains a critical area for further analysis and policy intervention.

Overall, Modi’s narrative of substantial job creation and economic transformation aims to project a positive image of his administration. While the data supports many of his claims, the lived experiences of individuals in different regions and sectors will ultimately determine the perceived success of these initiatives. As the elections progress, the interplay between political rhetoric and empirical reality will shape the discourse on employment and economic development in India.